Extra prison sentence

Press, 20 August 1983, Page 5

Extra prison sentence

On charges including the presentation of forged prescriptions at chemist shops to obtain drug prescriptions John Edward James Luff, aged 22, yesterday received an additional four months prison sentence, to the six months prison term he is currently serving. He appeared for sentence in the District Court on two charges of presenting forged prescriptions, one of attempting to present a forged prescription, one of attempted false pretence, and a charge of committing a breach of probation. He pleaded guilty to two of the prescription offences yesterday after earlier having elected trial by jury. The other charges had been admitted at an earlier Dis trict Court appearance.

Defence counsel (Mr P. B. McMenamin) said that the defendant’s offences arose largely from his use of drugs and alcohol. He said that the present offences arose from his owing a drug dealer money and being told to repay it, or run the risk of. “injury.” The drugs obtained from the forged prescriptions were to be used to offset the amount owing to the “standover man.”

Mr McMenamin sought the imposition of a concurrent prison term. Judge Pain said that the degree of the offences warranted an additional term on the sentence imposed last month. He imposed sentences of four months imprisonment on the charges, to be served concurrently, but cumulatively on his present jail term. It is to be followed by a year’s probation, with a direction that the defendant undertake examination, counselling, or treatment for drug abuse, as directed by the probation officer.